"There is obviously some sadness in bidding farewell to any ship but more than anything, this is a time to honour HMS Liverpool and her achievements. The most recent of which was outstanding and key support to the Nato operations off the coast of Libya.

"I was immensely proud of my ship's company and the way in which they rose to their challenge and reacted to the very real threat posed by pro-Gaddafi forces. In their efforts to protect the Libyan people and enforce the will of the United Nations, the ship's company proved their grit and determination."

Stationed in Libya between April and October last year, HMS Liverpool is said to have helped enforce both the no-fly zone and arms embargoes, and was involved in 10 gunfire battles.

The ship's company witnessed the siege of Misrata and the fall of Tripoli, Zlitan, Al Khums and Sirte.

The experience was a new one for most of the ship's 260 crew, and the young officers in particular were praised for their work.

Communications Officer Sarah Buchanan said: "Because you are trained for it, when you do it for real it means a lot more. It's still a real fright. You don't expect it to really happen."

Petty Officer Robert Allan said: "Reactions come a lot more naturally than you would expect, especially for the younger members of the ship's company.

"Because they do so much training, they reacted much better than I think they were expecting themselves, and it was up to senior staff to help keep them calm and focused through these difficult situations."

The ship will be in Glasgow over the weekend where it will invite local sea cadets on board for a tour.

HMS Liverpool will be decommissioned in Portsmouth in late March.

As it sailed up the Clyde, the warship passed the new type-45 destroyers being fitted at Scotstoun shipyard.

Commanding Officer Williams is heading for a new job on land at the Navy training centre and said he is sad to be leaving the ship.

He said: "You get an emotional attachment to any ship you work on, of course you do. My wife calls Liverpool my mistress.

"She's not my lover by any stretch because she keeps me busy and active working out how to keep the old girl running. But having fought and lived in this ship for the better part of a year and a half, I will always love her."